Pope Francis Stumbles; Foreshadowing Of Unstable Papacy?

VATICAN––Media outlets around the world were quick to speculate about the future of the two day old papacy of Pope Francis earlier this morning after the new pontiff tripped on his way down a step to greet Dean of Cardinals Angelo Sodano. Calling it “The Great Stumble,” many are now speculating whether this could be an “omen” of the 76-year-old Francis’ papacy. “After Benedict’s papacy, which was fraught with gaffes and scandals, many are beginning to look to the stars, so to speak, about where this papacy might be heading,” spokesman for Reuters Debra Heinz told Eye of the Tiber. “Things are obviously starting off on the wrong foot. Definitely a rocky start.” Others in the media are beginning to wonder whether Francis’ age might be taking a toll on him, leading some to speculate that the Church might soon be heading toward yet another abdication. Carla Suarez, an Argentinian studying in Rome, says that she was shocked to hear the news, since Argentinians “are typically quite nimble-footed.” “We’re usually very sure-footed,” Suarez said. “You know…with the Tango and all. I don’t know…this is obviously very embarrassing for my people. I just hope that Papa Francisco is able to prove everyone wrong and lead a good and stable papacy.”